palestine

In our news wrap Tuesday, President Obama declared the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but over, in the wake of pre-election comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he appeared to rule out endorsing a Palestinian state. Also, forces loyal to Yemen’s pro-American president fought to turn back advancing Shiite rebels, who seized two key towns before being forced to withdraw. Continue reading →

WASHINGTON — An unconvinced President Barack Obama said Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to clarify pre-election statements rejecting creation of a Palestinian state still do not appear to advance the prospect of a two-state solution to Mideast peace.Continue reading →

Benjamin Netanyahu won a surprisingly clear-cut victory over his center-left challenger, despite initial exit polls showing the two in a dead heat. On Wednesday he pledged to protect the security and welfare of all Israelis, after what had been a divisive race. Gwen Ifill learns more from special correspondent Martin Seemungal, reporting from Tel Aviv. Continue reading →

In the final throes of campaigning before Israel’s election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that there would be no Palestinian state if he is reelected — a move seen as an attempt to draw more right wing votes. Gwen Ifill talks to special correspondent Martin Seemungal, reporting from Tel Aviv, about Netanyahu’s political battle. Continue reading →

It has been more than two years since a Palestinian-American businessman raised $1 billion to build Rawabi, a new Palestinian city on the West Bank with the hope that it will create prosperity and peace in the area. Now, the first planned city designed for a population of at least 40,000 people is putting the finishing touches on its infrastructure and plans to open in June. Continue reading →

Though Israel and Hamas agreed to stop their fighting in late August, in Gaza many Palestinians are struggling to rebuild with little signs of hope or progress. PBS NewsHour Special Correspondent Martin Seemungal traveled there to get a firsthand look at the remaining destruction and to find out why the rebuilding process is nearly stagnant.Continue reading →

In our news wrap Wednesday, the first two bodies recovered from the crash of AirAsia flight 8501 landed in Surabaya, Indonesia, but efforts to continue searching for more victims were delayed by strong winds and heavy rains. Also, in Afghanistan, 26 people who were celebrating a wedding were killed by a rocket during a fight between the government and Taliban insurgents. Continue reading →

In our news wrap Tuesday, protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin erupted in Moscow after leading activist Alexei Navalny was convicted of fraud. Also, the UN Security Council voted against a resolution offered by Palestinians to end Israeli control in the West Bank and East Jerusalem by 2017. Continue reading →